GCS’ new head of school wants
to be teachers’ best cheerleader

July 19, 2006

By MEGAN VARNER
Index-Journal senior staff writer

He might be new to Greenwood Christian School, but Michael Edds is no stranger to building Christian values in a community.
Edds, a native of West Virginia, was recently named head of the school, taking the reins from John Davis.
Edds said he is a “community person” who loves to work with others, and during his long career, which includes administrative roles at Christian schools, community centers and churches, he has had ample opportunity to do just that.
He was head of school for the Greater Cleveland Christian School in Ohio, headmaster of three Christian schools in West Virginia and coordinator of community education for the Dupont Community Center in West Virginia. During his time at the center, Edds helped develop grassroots community councils, two senior citizens centers, programs to build and repair low-income housing units, job training programs and community beautification projects. Edds partnered with more than 250 local and state agencies and two colleges to provide health clinics, services, college classes, food distribution for low-income families and other community programs, with more than $6 million received in grant funding to make the programs possible. He said he also received awards from national and state education associations.
Edds said the work he performed during his tenure at Dupont was more than a job — it was a ministry.
“The Lord knew that those people had needs and He used a simpleton like me to develop the programs,” he said.
Edds said one of his goals at Greenwood Christian is to reach out to the community and extend an invitation to anyone interested in the school.
“Anybody that wants a Christian education and has a heart for Christian education, this is the place to be,” he said.
Edds, who also has been a pastor at several churches in West Virginia, said he is using the few weeks before the start of school to meet with teachers and students to gain a feel of the school’s character and direction.
“I’m not here to make drastic changes. When you have a school of this size with such high test scores, somebody has done something right,” Edds said. “I just want to come in and get aquainted and build relationships ... I want to see the school continue to grow and flourish.”
Edds said the school’s Stanford Achievement Test scores, which range from the 84th to 97th percentiles, speak volumes about the quality of teaching offered at Greenwood Christian.
“They are some of the highest scores I’ve ever seen in my professional life,” he said. “The education they have here is phenomenal. The teachers do a phenomenal job, and I want to be their best cheerleader.”
While he waits for wife Jean and sons Joshua and Benjamin to join him in Greenwood, Edds said board members have taken him under their wings, offering him places to stay until he finds a permanent residence, giving him tours of the area and opening channels of communication with community leaders.
“I’ve had more fellowship the last two weeks than I’ve had in three years,” Edds said, laughing. “This is wonderful place ... I think (Greenwood) is one of the undiscovered gems of South Carolina.”
Edds said he thinks the role of a Christian school in today’s society is to provide youths with the knowledge and skills they need, but give that knowledge to them with a different philosophy.
“What makes us different (from other schools) is that we teach a Christian point of view. We teach the same core subjects, but we teach it from a different world view,” he said. “We want our young people to function in this world and be leaders, but to function as Christians. We have a lot of people in the world that are highly educated but they have no morals or values.”
According to his Web site, Edds believes that a coming spiritual awakening — larger than any before it — is in store for society and it will reshape the nation’s culture.
“The Bible says you’re the salt of the Earth, but we keep the salt in the saltbox. We keep it right in the four walls of the church. My heart is to get out into the community and let Jesus loose to meet people’s needs. That is the heart of the Lord, to meet the needs of hurting people,” Edds said.
The young, he added, are a crucial part of that awakening.
“I want to see a revival, a spiritual awakening, come to these young people because our nation has forsaken its Christian roots,” he said. “If there is not a renewal of morality and Christian values in this country, and a return to our Christian roots, then this country is doomed. Our only hope is to have it come through our young people.”

Some information in this article was obtained from a Greenwood Christian School press release.

McCormick County ranks fifth
in state in teen pregnancies

July 19, 2006

By BOBBY HARRELL
Index-Journal staff writer

McCORMICK — A teenager gets pregnant in the United States every 55 minutes.
Only one in three teen mothers graduates high school.
Children of teen mothers are more likely to become teen mothers themselves, according to the South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.
When it comes to teen pregnancy, the facts speak for themselves. But they shout for attention when those affected are right next door.
McCormick County’s teen pregnancy rate is higher than the South Carolina rate, said Cherry Brown, director of Behavioral Health Services at John de la Howe School.
South Carolina’s estimated pregnancies rate is 33.1 per 1,000 teens ages 10-19.
McCormick County’s rate is 45.5 per 1,000 teens ages 10-19, making it the fifth highest teen birth rate in South Carolina, Brown said. The top four counties are Allendale, Dillon, Barnwell and Jasper. Saluda County ranks 15th, Greenwood County is 33rd and Abbeville County is 42nd.
Brown presented the results to the McCormick County Council at its monthly meeting Tuesday night.
McCormick County is also ranked 29th and 30th in the state for chlamydia and gonorrhea, according to the Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.
The pregnancy rate is also higher for high school freshmen in South Carolina, Brown said. About 52 percent of teens entering high school say they’ve already had sex. The rate jumps to 74 percent when teens become seniors in high school, she said.
The problem with teen pregnancy in McCormick County stems from how teens think about sex, Brown said. Most teens don’t know enough about sex to make the right choices, she said. Some boys think the only way to prove themselves is to impregnate as many girls as possible, she said.
Sex education does make a difference, Brown said.
She doesn’t know of any research science-based programs for teens in McCormick County. Research science programs have worked and have data to back up their claims, she said. Teaching a combination of abstinence and giving teens options about birth control helps lower teen pregnancies, Brown said.
She’s talked to teens about what they think needs to be done about teen pregnancy. Teens say they know about abstinence but need to know more about birth control in case they choose to have sex, Brown said.
During the presentation, council member Bernard Hamby asked Brown about the role drugs and alcohol play in teen pregnancy.
The use of the rape drug GHB is on the rise, Brown said. GHB causes unconsciousness for five to six hours, followed by memory loss for more than a week. The drug is often slipped into teens’ drinks at parties while they’re not looking, Brown said.
Chairman Alonzo Harrison asked Brown about the connection between McCormick’s growing gang problem and teen pregnancies.
Gang members often require new members to have sex with a certain amount of people before they can be accepted, Brown said.
The best ways to prevent pregnancy is for parents to talk to their children about sex, she said. “Parents can be very clear about their family values,” Brown said.

Post 20 presents Lander new flag

July 19, 2006

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

There is perhaps no greater symbol of American pride and honor than a crisp, new American flag being displayed atop a flag pole.
It is a symbol that becomes even more meaningful when it is displayed in honor of a prevalent local resident.
Such is the case at Legion Field in Greenwood, where a brand new American flag was presented Monday night to Lander University and athletic director Jeff May by the Greenwood American Legion Post 20.
The flag was presented to the university in memory of longtime Legion member George E. “Bud” Pendergrass. It was the first time since Lander has taken managerial control of Legion Field that a new flag has been presented in honor of a former Legion member.
May said he was honored to receive the flag for the field, which is shared by the Bearcats and Post 20 baseball teams.
“It means a lot to Lander, it really does,” May said. “It is certainly an honor to the university and to Lander athletics.”
The presentation, which took place before Post 20’s 6-3 playoff win over Lancaster in the second round of the American Legion state playoffs, entailed Legion members “retiring” the old flag, which had become frayed an tattered, with a new display.
The relationship between Post 20 baseball and Lander has been a fruitful one.
The teams have shared Legion Field for nine years, and will continue to do so until Lander’s new athletic complex, slated for construction on Montague Avenue, is completed. No timetable has been set for construction of the complex.
“The relationship between Post 20 and Lander has been excellent over the last nine years,” May said.
“Legion Field is an excellent facility, both for play and for practice. We will be more than happy to display our new flag in the park.
May acknowledged Pendergrass’ importance to Greenwood American Legion.
“I knew Mr. Pendergrass,” May said. “I am aware that he was a very vital part of the Legion here in town.”
Pendergrass, who died on July 6, was a renowned supporter of American Legion baseball and other civic activities perpetuated by Post 20.

Obituaries

Billie Jeanne Beaube

FAIRFIELD — Billie Jeanne Beaube, born October 12, 1936 in Louisiana passed away suddenly on July 15, 2006 at 3:10 p.m.
She leaves one sister, Wanda Joy Day, her constant companion; a special nephew, David Dwayne Day and his wife, Rebecca Day who is more than special as well as Jada Elizabeth Day, age 6. Billie leaves numerous family and friends including her church family.
She was preceded in death by her father, Rev. K. D. (Pappy) Beaube; mother, Nellie Lois Butler Beaube and one favorite Uncle, Lewis J. Beaube of Greenwood, SC and his daughters Loretta Reed and Philicia Ann Beaube.
Funeral services will be Thursday, July 20, 7 p.m. at Fairfield Church of God, 6001 Dixie Hwy., Fairfield, with Pastor Darryl McCoy officiating. Visitation is Thursday, July 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church. The Avance Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to www.avancefuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY

Edgar Reid Blakely III

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Edgar “Eddie” Reid Blakely III, 51, formerly of Laurens, S.C., died Saturday, July 15, 2006 at his home in Wilmington after a recent illness.
Cape Fear Crematory, Stedman, N.C., is in charge.

Tevin Denzel Brooks

SALUDA — Tevin Denzel “Red” Brooks, 15, died Saturday, July 15, 2006 in Saluda County from injuries received in an automobile accident.
Born in Greenwood, son of Inez Marie Brooks and Aaron Bernard Rauch. He was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church and a rising tenth grader at Saluda High School, where he was a member of SHS Tigers Varsity Basketball Team and had been accepted as a member of the AAU Boys Basketball Association, the Capital City Show Stoppers.
Survivors include his parents of the home; a brother, Mario Merriweather of Fort Worth, Texas; two sisters, Keisa Brooks-Bacote of Columbia and Doneisha C. Robinson of Rock Hill; maternal grandmother, Pearline Brooks of Saluda; paternal grandfather, Aaron Rauch of Saluda.
Services are 1 p.m. Friday at Saluda High School Gym, conducted by the Rev. Calvin Robinson. The body will be placed in the gym at 11. Burial is in Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers are members of SHS Varsity Basketball Team.
Flower bearers are classmates and friends.
The family is at the home, 1685 Old Chappells Ferry Road.
Butler & Sons Funeral Home is in charge.

Alan Erett

WARE SHOALS — Alan Edward Erett, 43, of 10 Ponderosa Drive, Ware Shoals, entered into eternal rest with his Lord on Sunday, July 16, 2006 at Roper Hospital in Charleston.
Born in Norwalk, CT, he was a son of Richard Edward Erett and June Dove Powell. He was employed as a sales representative for Sara Lee and had served as an officer with the 111th Signal Battalion of the SC National Guard. He was a member of Gethsemane Baptist Temple of Starr.
Alan loved people and he had a host of friends. Most of all, he loved his Lord and enjoyed telling people about Him.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard William Erett and a stepbrother, William H. Powell, Jr.
Surviving is mother and stepfather, June and William H. “Billy” Powell, Sr. of Hodges, who raised him; his father and stepmother, Richard E. and Pat Erett, of St. Petersburg, FL; two daughters, Valerie Davis and Alesia Erett, both of Ware Shoals; a sister, Elaine Erett of Hanahan, SC; two half sisters, Susan and Allison, both of St. Petersburg; a stepsister and brother-in-law, Wanda and Vance Baldwin of Cross Hill; and two brothers and sisters-in-law, David and Ann Erett of Atlanta, GA and Mark and Tracy Powell of Donalds.
Services will be at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Harley Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Lamar Babb officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Wayne Jefferson, Jerry Lecroy, Alan Freeman, Charles Campbell, Mark Schonker, Gary Griffin and Art Youngblood.
Honorary escort will be Billy Allen, David Daniel, Spanky Baer, Chip Youngblood and other Sara Lee employees.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2-3:30 p.m.
The family is at the home of his mother and stepfather, June and Billy Powell, 5201 Emerson Street, Hodges.
Memorials may be made to Providence Baptist Church, PO Box 6, Hodges, SC 29653.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY

Larry Charles Martin

COLUMBIA ­— A Memorial Service for Larry Charles Martin, 59, will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at Woodfield Park Baptist Church. An interpreter for the deaf will be provided. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Memorials may be made to Ascension Hospice, P.O. Box 1367, Irmo, S.C. 29063.
Mr. Martin died Tuesday, July 18, 2006. Born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, he was a son of the late Arthur Joseph Martin and Frohnie Clara Schmallenberg Martin. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam Era and a graduate of Midlands Technical College. He was employed with Quest Diagnostics.
Surviving are his wife, Dayna Bernardette Martin; son, Arthur “Artie” Martin of Columbia; daughter, Larrysa Martin of Columbia; grandson, Ethan Martin; brother, Tom Martin of Shreveport, La.; and sister, Jean Dickerson of Aurora, Colo. He was predeceased by a son, Edmonds “Eddie” Bishop Martin, brothers, Leonard and Robert Martin, and sister, Geraldine Martin.
PAID OBITUARY

Shawn Sexton

ABBEVILLE — Shawn Doran Sexton, 46, of 1373 Central Shiloh Road, died Monday, July 17, 2006 at his home.
Born in Sanford, Fla., he was a son of the late Frank W. and Elaine Barclay Sexton. He received a bachelor of science degree from Lander College.
Survivors include eight sisters, Rose Bruce, Sharon Seine and Susan Kernycky, all of Canada, Mona George of Covington, Ohio, Marlene Whitt and Theresa Gunnoe, both of Greenwood, Sandra Bowie of Camden and Renee Fawbush of Minneapolis; four brothers, Vance Ford, Bernie Barclay and Norman Barclay, all of Canada and Bruce Sexton of Alda, Iowa.
A memorial service is at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the SC School for the Deaf and Blind, 355 Cedar Springs Road, Spartanburg, SC 29302-4699.
Harley Funeral Home & Crematory, Greenwood, is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harleyfuneralhome.com

Shavon L. Turman

McCONNELLS — Services for Shavon L. Turman, of 1310 Christine Way, are 1 p.m. Thursday at Glovers Chapel AME Church, Calhoun Falls, conducted by Pastor Larry Merrill, assisted by the Revs. Robert Johnson and Eunice Mursier. The body will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers and flower bearers are members of Calhoun Falls High School Class of 1999. Viewing is 11:30-8 today at Robinson & Son Mortuary, Greenwood, and 10-1 Thursday at the church.
The family is at the home of her mother, Bertha Calhoun Turman, 206 Elberton St., Calhoun Falls.
Memorials may be made to an account for her son, Ja’marcus Tremon Turman, at any Capital Bank.
Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc. is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at robson@nctv.com

Lewis E. Warren

IVA — Lewis E. Warren, 67, of 200 Third Ave., died Monday, July 17, 2006 at Anderson Area Medical Center.
Services will be announced by Harris Funeral Home, Abbeville.

William Henry Wideman

ABBEVILLE — Services for William Henry “Wooper” Wideman are 1 p.m. Thursday at Mount Zion AME Church, McCormick, conducted by the Rev. William B. Brown, pastor, assisted by the Rev. Isaac Booker III. The body will be placed in the church at 12. Burial is in the church cemetery. Pallbearers are Tracy Wideman, Wade Gaskin, Charlie Martin, Charlie Chiles, Larry Wright and Richard Durant.
Flower bearers are nieces and cousins.
The family is at the home of a sister Mrs. Johnny (Mary) Gantt, 216 E. Laurel St., Greenwood.
Walker Funeral Home, McCormick, is in charge.

Opinion

Israel’s right to exist? Enemies use it to hate

July 19, 2006

You can’t ignore or get away from the conflict in the Middle East between Israel and its enemies. Even in Greenwood conversations often turn to who’s right and who’s wrong in a war that has been going on since modern Israel was created in 1948. Actually, it could be argued hostilities have been around since Biblical days.
So, who is to blame? Some believe it’s all Israel’s fault, that it has brought much of the trouble upon itself because of its ongoing belligerence. While the Palestinians have kept up a steady assault on Israel through the years, many others recognize there also is a perpetual hatred among most of Israel’s neighbors, particularly Iran, Syria and the terrorist organizations Hezbollah and Hamas, both spawned by a common resentment and vindictiveness.

IT’S HARD TO REMEMBER HOW many times peace efforts have been mounted in the Middle East. Every time it appears progress is made it is set back by armed assaults in one fashion or another.
Almost invariably it has come from those who hate Israel and indeed Israel’s allies, including the United States.
The paramount question, without doubt, has to be whether there can ever be a real hope for any kind of peace, lasting or otherwise, as long as all of Israel’s enemies remain adamant that it has no right to even exist. That, alone, should convince anyone where the fault lies. Still, there is a residue of anti-semitism that colors the whole picture, even among some South Carolinians.

IT APPEARS TO BE HOPELESS as long as those hateful attitudes and conditions exist.
How do you change something like that, though, when hatred of all things Jewish is a continuing element in the education of Arab and Muslim children everywhere?
Time after time, too, the United Nations has given assurances that it would play a significant role in controlling the situation. And, time after time it has failed or neglected to act altogether. In fact, the United Nations’ reluctance or inability to act has only encouraged Israel’s enemies to perpetuate the hostilities. What else should be expected when they know the U. N. won’t do anything?

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